The Best of Dowager Countess & Isobel Crawley's Friendship | Downton Abbey

The Dowager Countess and Isobel Crawley have come a long way since their first meeting. Watch five of their best friendship moments.
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#DowntonAbbeyThis is the official KZbin channel for Downton Abbey. Immerse yourself in the much loved British historical drama and relive some of your favourite moments and tragedies, access to exclusive interviews with all the cast and keep up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe for more here: / @downtonabbey
Watch Downton Abbey on iTunes: bit.ly/DowntonAbbey_iTunes
Twitter: / downtonabbey
Facebook: / downtonabbey
Instagram: / downtonabbey_official
#DowntonAbbey

[@meghanmcgowan7748]

In spite of all their barbs, I think the dowager admitting that she's grown fond of having Isobel as a friend has got to be one of the most heartwarming moments in TV history

[@armandtjviljoen]

Extremely Sweet!

[@kachi2782]

American ?

[@Sunny25611]

:) 👍🏽

[@ginnyholstad78]

@@cellpat7392 under door needs dßß bf bf . .c. . .b .odp" . BB bb d bss

[@ginnyholstad78]

V

[@jazzycafe5707]

The way Violet and Isobel rolled up into that house like an elderly Victorian version of Thelma and Louise is everything 😂😂😂

[@SophieJackson1993]

This comment is everything thank you. 😂

[@nightowl3218]

What minute is that

[@jtrain5615]

​@@nightowl3218 7:21

[@DeanMoxley87]

hahahaha

[@creativewriter3887]

OMG.. that comment was epic! And they DO kind of look like an older version of Thelma and Louise! lol.

[@canihelpyou9067]

The “oh goodie goodie” gets me every time 😂😂😂! Oh Maggie Smith, you are truly a gem.

[@user-nx4uu4gn2j]

When she says goodie goodie? What minute?

[@duckduckgoismuchbetter]

@@user-nx4uu4gn2j When they're playing gin.

[@DeanMoxley87]

@@user-nx4uu4gn2j 2:02

[@patriciajrs46]

Yes, she is.

[@ceciasa3376]

That moment makes me smile too. XD

[@romulusthemainecoon3047]

The Dowager Countess freeing Dickie Merton from the clutches of Larry and his wife and facilitating a happy ending with Isobel is one of my FAVORITE moments of the series finale.

[@viperhalfdragon]

honestly I've never seen the show, but that singular scene...... I may have to give the series a go, that was so powerful

[@budd2nd]

@@viperhalfdragon Yes you should give it a chance. I really enjoyed it.

[@maryhlad5277]

I love it. The Dowager Countess is a tough nutcracker.

[@Suzette1122]

Though I was a bit confused why wouldnt they allow Isobel to take Dickie away, I mean he willingly gave the house to them. I thought they would have jumped for joy

[@cosmiclavendersprout]

I second that!

[@LuisAndradeO]

the "oh goody goody" scene is one of my favorite from the entire show.

[@LadyTeePrinceLover]

😄!

[@Lambchoppe53]

And Isobel's smile after she said it.

[@ludotolhuizen7818]

I've read somewhere that Violet has a winning hand, but let's Isobel win the card game

[@OzmaOfOzz]

That and the "what is a weekend?" line are the best 😂❤

[@margaretraemsch968]

Why is Maggie Smith so cute

[@antoninchrysos7859]

"...as my son, I love you, but I've tried and failed to like you." 💀

[@preciousfox4740]

You know, in this show at least, I find the older people's romances way more interesting and romantic than the young ones. It's like they are past all of the silliness and superficial nonsense of younger relationships and are ready and willing for something real

[@dublinjazz1]

Yes, this!

[@notverysur3rightnow145]

Mr bates and Anna were perfect

[@markmh835]

And that is why I adore the 2 Exotic Marigold Hotel movies, which also feature Maggie Smith. Older romances are very special.

[@Celisar1]

Very well said!

[@zaliron]

We've heard Violet be angry, sassy, disappointed, cheerful...but never have we heard the heartache of "Is that what you think of me?"

[@KoiYakultGreenTea]

“You’ve made me regret my confidence. Do have some cake” is such an elegant way to say ‘you’ve made me feel embarrassed for opening up please shut up’ 😂

[@amun1040]

also "Do have some cake" is such a grandmotherly thing to say :D

[@MichelleI85]

Glad that I’m not the only one that loved that bit! She had her second of vulnerability and then bam! she was back to her nutcracker ways.

[@Soulful_Chaos]

Yes!!! 😂😂😂 Excellent writing and actors/actresses. I just love this show! 🤗

[@myrin265]

these two had more chemistry than some of the couples on the show

[@christinebiada1292]

These two made the show, in my opinion. They’re a perfect compliment of one another. “Ohh goody! goody!” Dowager countess is the reason I started watching the show years after it aired, including the movie. These short videos of her always made me giggle.

[@melissaphillips3088]

I agree . It is a pleasure to watch them together. The best of the best.

[@Shane-dy8lq]

Same here! 😂

[@abdullahsikander8919]

I also started watching it just because of Maggie Smith

[@gutsfinky]

Yes! I love that scene and Violet's childlike happiness at that moment. And yes, watching their relationship evolve is a pleasure. Remember how icy they were at the beginning? But by the end they're old pals. Granted the show runs over something like 14 years, so there was plenty of time....

[@AC_RDR2_Q]

the way she said “ooh goody goody” will always crack me up

[@_historical_fashion_7567]

"Why do you always sound like the sister of Marie Antoinette?" "The queen of Naples was a stalwart figure, I take it as a compliment" "You take everything as a compliment" 😂

[@janavanrossum6174]

She should have said: "I must have said it wrong..."

[@JaahnaviS]

"And thy should do the same, it saves many an awkward moment" The best part 😆

[@ronoc627]

Maggie Smith gets great praise as she should for her performance but so should Penelope Wilton utter perfection!!!

[@iwasglad122]

Couldn't agree more!

[@alexandrabelli4139]

Ambas se me merecen distinción

[@aaronc4899]

Penelope Wilton is one of those who shines in whatever role she takes. From Doctor Who to Shaun of the Dead to Downton Abbey (to name the ones I've seen).

[@ellie2041]

I love how the ladies stormed into Lord Mertons home like two brave knights into a gaurded castle to rescue him from his tower lol. So basically his daughter in law asked "Are you really ok with the woman you love sweeping you off your feet to marriage and freedom from your prisoners?" Lord Merton no hesitation" Yes Yes I am!"💞

[@goalroad9716]

At least one of them is actually Knighted 😏

[@lucyhartwell2134]

"How perfectly marvellous!" is the most romantic moment in the entire show for me. Just beautiful.

[@cosmiclavendersprout]

I totally agree!

[@rowanaforrest9792]

Lord Merton is such a sweetie! And he loves Isobel passionately, he just has such a refined way of showing it.

[@JohanHerrenberg]

They complement each other perfectly. There is steel in Isobel and vulnerability in the Dowager Countess. Two great ladies!

[@americagoodman2678]

And never the Twain shall meet! I love these two

[@Jordan-nh7lc]

You would know that Dowager doesn't want to be called as lady. But I totally agree with you. 😄

[@jasonmamentu2133]

Actually the steel is in both of them

[@JohanHerrenberg]

@@jasonmamentu2133 Which I imply.

[@joannesmith9486]

And, who could have predicted it? There are so many layers to the onion that is the human being at any age; but it takes age and experience to peel away, just when it counts the very most!! I love it…

[@KoiYakultGreenTea]

I want to age as wonderfully sharp as these ladiesn

[@christinebiada1292]

I also want the wisdoms and quick wit!

[@satlynutz]

No more smoking weed for you than 😂

[@KoiYakultGreenTea]

@@satlynutz I’ve never done drugs or alcohol or taken Tobacco

[@satlynutz]

@@KoiYakultGreenTea why tabasco on chips is epic 🙄

[@dublinjazz1]

@@KoiYakultGreenTea I think his humor went over your head😂

[@sheilaburns8977]

My eyes tear up at the scene when The Dowager admits to Mary that she will miss the friendship and companionship she feels and gets from Isobel if Isobel marries. Although I think she realizes later that Isobel will never abandon their friendship. What a great scene when Isobel and The Dowager rescued Lord Merton from his son and his horrible fiance. My only regret is that Lord Merton didn't throw them out of his home with nothing. PEACE to ALL.

[@msyawnietravels5861]

I agree with you but I think that once you get older; living in peace is far better than living in a hollow house of loveless. That house was full of dread and Lord Merton could still retain his status and money living with Isobel. Lord Merton's sons (Larry in particular) were arrogant, spoiled tyrants like their mother. Lord Merton deserved to live his final years with a woman like Isobel - kind and humble with substance. I love them together and how he pursued Isobel.

[@gunnanusit1956]

@@msyawnietravels5861 I'm not contradicting you, but wonder how he could retain his wealth after having given the house and estate to his son? It seemed his saving was the only thing he brought into marriage.

[@williamsstephens]

@@gunnanusit1956 Oh, no. Ownership of the estate and the income therefrom is not within Lord Merton's ability to give away. As long as he lives, the property is his. I've no doubt he will continue to pay his sons their alliwances; I also think Larry's will be increased upon his marriage (as was customarily done). Nonetheless, Lord Merton retains the whip hand and the title.

[@gunnanusit1956]

@@williamsstephens Thanks for the clarification.

[@sheilaburns8977]

@@msyawnietravels5861 I agree that Lord Merton is so much better off living peacefully with Isobel, but it just annoys me that his nasty son and equally nasty fiance benefit at all. PEACE.

[@ChristinWilsey]

Their friendship blossomed so beautifully. They're two of my favorites!

[@teresaprado7472]

The chemistry between these two fine ladies is PERFECTION. Their scenes were my favorites. They were hilarious. Loved the facial expressions between them and the sarcastic conversations.

[@lucienbandet2568]

Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton are the best of the best when it comes to acting. Simply mesmerizing

[@beeanca6671]

One of the best moments was when Mrs. Crawley gave the Dowager Countess the Nutcracker gift and the Dowager asked, “What is this?” Mrs. Crawley said, “A nutcracker. To crack your nuts” 😂

[@LadyTeePrinceLover]

😄!!

[@robertfencl4401]

How did I miss this one?

[@TheSharron]

Oh my goodness…I almost fell out of my chair…😂🤣😂🤣

[@meh5069]

“I advise you to do the same, it saves many an awkward moment” 💀 that’s some wisdom there. 😂

[@mityaboy4639]

Except when she DOES take it as a compliment then she retorts "I must have said it wrong" :) Mr Mosley's roses /watch?v=VRo_fXGyoE0

[@universdespotterheads6262]

OMG She's so cute in 2:01 "goody goody" I wanna cry

[@dominickchristiantabug9362]

"I read the card." was hilarious 😂😂😂

[@bbatjargal1549]

In my view, Mrs Isobel Crawley earned her respect and love from the Dowager because she cared for her during the very difficult illness at that advanced age (in her late 80s). Isobel is a very kind hearted and warm woman that Dowager realized and appreciated!

[@olly-kai]

Despite the fact that she'll miss her, the Dowager does the right thing for her friend Isobel... They join forces to rescue Lord Merton! 💜💚💙

[@rowanaforrest9792]

And, as it turns out, since Dickie and Isobel choose to live at Crawley House, the Dowager will continue to have Isobel's company as much as always.

[@novvy25]

The Dowager came across as very modern in her dry wit and sarcasm. She made the show very enjoyable and was great for laughs.

[@Celisar1]

Dry wit and sarcasm aren’t a modern thing.

[@alexashton6501]

Dry wit and sarcasm are having a renaissance in the 2010s and 2020s due to society as a whole being jaded and sardonic.

[@Shan-bx9fw]

_Mrs Crawley - Helps her day and night_ Dr. Clarkson : She'll be rewarded in heaven for that. Dowager Countess : The sooner the better. 💀

[@giada7571]

You'll be rewarded in heaven he says to the dowager, because she didn't want to spend the evening with her, but to be kind and grateful, she allowed Isobel to return and play cards

[@christinebiada1292]

@@giada7571 and I love her “Oh goody! goody!” When she finds out how long the card game could last. Lol!

[@williamsstephens]

No, he says, "You'll be rewarded in heaven for that", that is, "For not hurting Mrs. Crawley's feelings."

[@debifambro1039]

I love these two. They don't look like they're acting.

[@emmyg]

The Ohh Goody Goody that the dowagers says at 2:02 is like a child who gets to play with their friends even longer then told. It was such a cute moment Isobel brings out the child in the dowager countess.

[@twc3546]

Was her Goody, Goody real or sarcastic ?

[@kathyscott9219]

Goody, goody is a reference to a line in Maggie Smith Oscar winning movie The prime of Miss Jean Brodie. I laughed when I heard it and thought is was great inside writing by Julian Fellowes.

[@maryhlad5277]

I love it how the Dowager Countess Grantham handled the Baron Merton’s son and daughter-in-law, allowing Isobel Crawley entry. The Dowager Countess put them in their place.

[@carolynwhite9313]

They are both British Dames, and so worthy.

[@markbrisson2102]

They are the very definition of “frenemies”.

[@jeremysaysrawr119]

“Oh goody goody!” Always makes me guffaw.

[@LadyTeePrinceLover]

😄!

[@leepeiying6011]

Dowager:" I take it as a compliment.'' Isobel:'' You take everything as a compliment.'' 😆

[@bobbidazzler1343]

Their spats are brilliant. I loved their friendship. X

[@cameron120587]

"When reason fails, try force!" My favourite line from Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham as they storm the battlements.

[@kepecos]

“You’ve made me regret my confidence do have some cake.” 😂😂😂

[@gnostic268]

They had such a great friendship after a slow start 🥀

[@shrijitasgable]

I liked their chemistry and connection since day one.

[@gutsfinky]

Slow is one word for it. Cold is another. I think they fought liking each other because they're so similar but eventually gave in..

[@nurikodb3915]

From enemies through frenemies to just best friends 💜

[@taruntapanbhuyan9696]

"And who can argue THAT!" I LOVE THE COUNTESS'S VOTE REASSURANCE AND REAFFIRMATION.

[@282828lisa]

Lady Grantham going goody goody during the card game was such fun I busted up laughing!

[@aremy1097]

My eyes always water when Merton gazes to Mrs Crawley after her proposal with so much love as he states "How perfectly marvelous"

[@westminsterwatcher5152]

"Oh goody goody" The Dowager is adorable!

[@mukunimulundika5359]

Crookshank could not have been a more perfect name for that lady. Leaves me in stitches every time 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jezruby2]

I just finished watching the six seasons on Netflix and I want more! Happy tears. I love this show. And just learned we getting more! Can’t stop crying out of joy!

[@jackrobins8756]

Glad you loved the show Jessie. I loved it too and it’s more movies and not series I’m afraid but still fantastic news! The first movie is on Netflix now too. I have the series and movie on Blu ray box set.

[@jezruby2]

@@jackrobins8756 I thought they were making a series but I’m ok with a movie. Is better than nothing. Haha. Wish I had seen this sooner. Be part of hype when the episodes were getting aired. Thank you for your reply.

[@jackrobins8756]

@@jezruby2 no problem. I watched the movie on the big screen and it was incredible! The sequel last I heard was coming March 2022.

[@puppylove422]

The older ladies, carry the scene, better than the younger ones. -Brittney

[@corynneperson275]

The Dowager made the show for me. She throws shade with the best of them!!

[@nbe1951]

I love how Violet and Isobel rescue Dickie Merton. This is a series about strong women... YAY!

[@jayt9608]

Better, they are strong women who have no need to be men to be strong.

[@kritishdadu9828]

these 2 are the best pairing in the history of tv drama, both DAMES!!

[@ayoogundimu3087]

You will be rewarded in heaven. The sooner the better. I love the script

[@sabrinaerickson7098]

I think their friendship was far more precious and deep because of the preceding years they spent in disagreements.

[@leepeiying6011]

"Oh! Goody goody!"😍

[@LadyTeePrinceLover]

😄!

[@jackrobins8756]

I love this show so much. The characters and storylines are emotional and lovely.

[@amylee3531]

I would have LOVED to see alot of interactions between Mrs. Crawley and Mr. Molesley. I think the writers really missed some great opportunities with those two. Molesley was so under-rated. He has a great silliness to him.

[@happyyyoung]

Merton is just so excited to join Isobel's life its adorable

[@melissaphillips3088]

Wonderful ladies and great actresses.🌹

[@EmmalinaFortuna]

My favourite friendship on the show ❤

[@tr-26]

“And who can argue with that”!? 😆😆 Maggie smith is the best

[@tsomo6229]

Mrs. Crawley: I’ll take that as a compliment Dowager LG: I must’ve said it wrong Such a witty character with brilliant lines

[@raghavsagar6362]

Perhaps the greatest friendship ever portrayed on screen.

[@stefaniemelchger1633]

And who can argue with THAT! 😎 I love when she makes those boss moves 😂

[@Robert08010]

Loved the last line, "How Perfectly Marvelous!" Always get a cheer out of me!

[@fabulouschild2005]

I love the development of their relationship. They start with "we can start with Lady Grantham and Mrs Crawley", to referring to each other as Cousin Violet and Cousin Isobel

[@gokcentozlu7042]

I love lord Merton; I know he is old but very handsome, very kind, smart and generous person. He is definitely one of my favourites in the show.

[@MasonPerry7]

“How long does it go on for?” “Ages.” “Oh goodie goodie!” 💀

[@2009grifin1]

I have said it before and I will say it again. This series was one of the best I have seen ever. From start to finish.

[@mycatslittleworld6412]

Love the last scene so much.

[@ebl36]

Granny loves meddling in other people’s love lives, twice so if she can get them together. Isobel loves meddling in everything else, but in a loving way.

[@SiobhanSibealFernweh]

Over half into this video and not one of the great best of moments have appeared yet. I think I have the ultimate list myself. "Wars have been waged with less fervor". "No one cares about ANYTHING as much as you", and her pleased chuckle at her own wit. "I'll take that as a compliment", "I must've said it wrong".... Those are among a few of the best moments of the two ladies. Just a few.

[@hansolofholmberg2071]

Lord Merton's generosity and freedom from resentment is such an example andd heartwarming joy to see,

[@mohamstaz3618]

"Shall I come back later?" Doctor: *stares down the dowager like you better let her come back you old bitty*

[@shaunyg4156]

He would've needed the courage of ten men to say that to her face even if she was ill 🤣

[@SNR_FoodleR]

The Way of Maggie Smith Oh, goody goody 😅😅😅

[@lavillablanca]

Cooling a fevered brow with a wet cloth was the most comfort one could expect at that time.

[@annanapoletani2644]

Due attrici meravigliose e bravissime se non ci fossero dovrebbero inventarle .. Complimenti ❤️❤️❤️

[@ludotolhuizen7818]

A moving scene from earlier in the series was when the dowager persuaded Isobel to come to a house concert to get her out of her grief over Matthew's death.

[@latinguy67]

Isobel and the Dowager: two OG's that you don't **** with!

[@B612nian]

3:40 _"Can't you even offer help without sounding like a trumpeter on the peak of the moral high ground?"_ xD

[@andreasoto5205]

How much I love their friendship, so enjoyable in the hole series

[@vironworks5952]

2:01 I'm instantly reminded of Jean Brodie when I see this. Especially her smile. I just adore Maggie Smith's beauty, past and present.

[@hollyzemlicka538]

British television beats the television of USA hands down. And I am an American

[@claudiaholmes8468]

Exactly!

[@me1965]

“Oh, goodie goodie!” lol

[@angeloc.7400]

These moments are priceless.

[@ctheflower7818]

Wise Women 🌹🤗🤗🌹

[@AgentBlizzaga]

Violet just being Isobel's wingwoman for nine minutes

[@davidhutchinson5233]

I love a woman's appreciation of flowers. It has never ceased to leave this man in a small state of wonder. And that line from Larry's fiancee' Ms. Cruikshank......Father, Mrs. Crawley intends to kidnap you in marriage....what do you say to that? How perfectly marvelous. LOL....

[@Robert08010]

"I shant be seeing you again." "Promise?"

[@fintan3563]

I so love the Dowager Countess! 💖💖💖

[@Jenzzyuk]

I love The dowager saying oh Goodie Goodie 😂😂😂😂

[@darlenelong8869]

A great actress and yes she makes the show.We love your insults,but they come from love,and we love you.Keep on my lady!!!

[@juliacrookston9053]

I'd forgotten how beautifully DA looked - lovely.

[@travisbashore]

2:23 her giggle!!

[@davidcorruthers78]

The only person who can match the dowager countess in wit and shade

[@GosieKin]

@2:23 Violet's knowing giggle... Absolutely precious ❤️❤️❤️

[@OfficialRyanx]

YES. So glad this has finally been done.

[@neilgerace355]

7:15 She gets to try out Isobel's Christmas present.

[@IronhorseSara]

That ending clip was superb!!!

[@Alieh86]

They could have been a spin-off! Haha

[@SaltyMinorcan]

how perfectly marvelous

[@mariadennison2952]

One of the best scenes ever freeing dickie, 😬